The board of the BIAE is aware that some statements have been made via online platforms that are unfair and may cause some to doubt the credibility and professionalism of our organisation.
The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) is the only professional organisation in the UK dedicated to electrolysis. It represents professional Electrologists both in the UK and abroad.
As a professional organisation, we are bound by UK law and cannot openly discuss individual comments. However, we would like to give an understanding of the BIAE and how it operates.
The BIAE is an association of professionally qualified electrologists who are admitted to the organisation on successful completion of a rigorous theoretical and practical examination once they have obtained a level three award in electrolysis. Thus, ensuring that only practicing electrologists who demonstrate higher level understanding and skills can become members. Reassuringly our examiners follow strict protocols laid down by the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority HABIA and are drawn from some of the most experienced electrologists in the UK.
Members are required to complete a programme of continuous professional development (CPD) and are supported in this endeavour by the BIAE though practical training courses, workshops, and seminars. Importantly member’s CPD records are publicly available via our website, furthermore all members are required to complete refresher training every 5 years. These requirements are the most rigorous in the Beauty Industry.
We believe that our strong commitment to professional standards and our quest for excellence in electrolysis offers a reassurance to members of the public seeking a skilled electrologist and through our website provide guidance to potential clients.
In the rare event that a client should be unhappy with their treatment, in common with other elements of the Beauty Industry and other professional services, individuals are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This requires the ‘customer’ to first raise their complaint with the ‘seller’ who is given the opportunity to remedy the situation. Where a satisfactory resolution is unobtainable the customer may seek an Alternative Dispute Resolution provider or pursue a legal action through the courts.
It is important to be aware that the BIAE is not legally authorised to handle a formal complaint relating to a service provided by one of its members in the context of the Consumer Rights Act. The BIAE, may however, investigate reports of any sub-standard service by its members. The process is robust and involves the collection of information and evidence from relevant parties which is then carefully considered by the Board against good professional practice. Recommendations and requirements on follow up actions are then made. On the relatively few occasions that such investigations have been convened, misunderstandings arising from problems with communication have often been at the root of the complaint. In such instances the BIAE has mediated between the customer and practitioner achieving a satisfactory outcome. Where there is evidence that a member has not maintained the high standards of professional practice required by the BIAE, the Board would require them to attend suitable training to ensure their skills and knowledge are at the level needed to meet our high standards.
Additionally, in common with most professional organisations the BIAE has a clear Code of Ethics and if the BIAE becomes aware that this code has been breached, following a full investigation actions including a written warning and suspension may be applied.
We hope that this statement clarifies any misunderstandings and reassures the public of our overriding purpose which is to promote and support high standards in electrolysis.